Communication Apparatus Role Determination via Function Broadcasting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication parameter setting methods for wireless and wired communication apparatuses face challenges when the roles of provider and receiver are not predetermined, leading to difficulties in determining the transfer direction of parameters and reducing user friendliness, especially when multiple apparatuses can provide parameters.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus and method that allows for the determination of provider and receiver roles through a process involving function information broadcasting and timer-based processing, enabling automatic setting of communication parameters without user intervention, even when roles are not predetermined.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the roles of provider and receiver are predetermined, then the transfer direction of parameters is uniquely determined, but user friendliness is significantly decreased when roles are not predetermined
Solution Approach 1:
The communication apparatus automatically determines its own role (provider or receiver) based on pre-stored function information, without requiring user selection or manual configuration. The system serves itself by autonomously deciding whether to provide or receive communication parameters through timer-based detection of other apparatuses' function information.
Solution Approach 2:
Function information indicating the capability to provide or receive parameters is pre-stored in each communication apparatus before actual communication occurs. This preliminary preparation enables automatic role determination when the apparatuses encounter each other, eliminating the need for user intervention during the communication setup phase.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of apparatuses are providers, then more parameter sources are available, but an apparatus as a receiver cannot determine from which provider it should receive parameter information
Solution Approach 1:
Each communication apparatus broadcasts its function information and monitors for function information from other apparatuses using a timer mechanism. When a receiver apparatus detects function information from a provider apparatus within a predetermined time period, it automatically selects that provider. This feedback loop enables automatic resolution of multi-provider scenarios without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The role determination process is dynamic and time-based rather than static. Apparatuses use timers to detect whether other apparatuses are present and what functions they provide, allowing the system to adaptively determine roles based on real-time conditions rather than pre-configured fixed roles.
3Ease of operation
If automatic setting methods are used, then parameter setting becomes easier, but compatibility is lost when apparatuses do not support a common method
Solution Approach 1:
The communication apparatus is designed to support both providing and receiving functions within a single device. By storing function information that indicates capability to either provide or receive parameters, the apparatus can universally interact with other apparatuses regardless of their specific role, enabling broad compatibility while maintaining automatic setting functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication apparatus comprises providing means for providing a communication parameter via wireless communication, receiving means for receiving the communication parameter via wireless communication, selection means for selecting whether to perform provision by the providing means or reception by the receiving means based on information of a first other communication apparatus, and transmission means for transmitting a signal for suppressing, while performing a provision process by the providing means, a request for the communication parameter from a second other communication apparatus, which is different from the first other communication apparatus, to the communication apparatus in a case where the selection means selects to perform the provision by the providing means.